He completed the solo round-the-world race in a new fastest time of 74 days, three hours, 35 minutes and 46 seconds. It was almost four days quicker than the previous record set by compatriot Francois Gabart in the 2012-13 edition.

Armel Le Cleac'h celebrates as he arrives at Les Sables d'Olonne.

That time Le Cleac'h was just two hours back in second place -- the smallest losing margin since the race, held every four years, started in 1988. He was also runner-up in 2008-09.

"This is a dream come true," said the 39-year-old, who covered 24,499.52 nautical miles at an average speed of 13.77 knots during the race.

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"Today is a perfect day. My team have been amazing they're the dream team, and this is their day too."

Race organizers predicted that second-placed British sailor Alex Thomson would cross the line 12 hours after Cleac'h, who finished at 1537 GMT (1037 ET).

"I'm very happy for Alex, it's a great second place," Le Cleac'h added. "It has been very difficult with him behind me, he gave me a really hard time in this Vendee Globe."

Le Cleac'h, sailing his 60-foot vessel Banque Populaire, was met by an estimated 350,000 fans in freezing conditions at Les Sables d'Olonne. France has now won all eight editions of the race.

Thomson, who finished third in 2013, looked to be threatening a late comeback after sailing 536.8 nautical miles in 24 hours -- reclaiming the record he held between 2003-2012 for distance covered in that time span.

He led the race in the opening weeks, and set two records in reaching South Africa's Cape of Good Hope, but a damaged starboard foil dented Thomson's chances of breaking the French monopoly of the title.

Often referred to as "the Everest of the Seas," only half the entrants usually complete the course.

Of the 138 sailors to start the previous seven races, just 71 finished -- while three competitors died.

Photos:Vendee Globe: Conrad Colman's epic voyage

Beautiful South – An image taken by drone shows Foresight Natural Energy, Conrad Colman's yacht in the Vendee Globe, carving through the South Atlantic in the direction of South Africa.

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Photos:Vendee Globe: Conrad Colman's epic voyage

Making a splash – Water rushes onto the deck as Colman -- who has already completed two round-the-world races in his sailing career -- steers his yacht into choppy waters.

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Photos:Vendee Globe: Conrad Colman's epic voyage

Running repairs – Colman, born in New Zealand and with an interest in sailing since his childhood, works on the hydraulic system for canting his yacht's keel after detecting a drop in pressure and oil levels.

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Photos:Vendee Globe: Conrad Colman's epic voyage

Bird's eye view – Another drone photo shows Foresight Natural Energy making its way through sparkling seas off western Brazil.

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Photos:Vendee Globe: Conrad Colman's epic voyage

'Ultimate' in races – Colman -- and cuddly hippo friend -- aboard his yacht for the race, which the sailor has described as "the ultimate challenge."

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Photos:Vendee Globe: Conrad Colman's epic voyage

In full sail – Foresight Natural Energy makes her way through calm open waters in the Vendee Globe.

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Photos:Vendee Globe: Conrad Colman's epic voyage

In trim – Colman takes a moment to check the trim of his yacht, which he describes as "an ambassador for clean energy."

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Photos:Vendee Globe: Conrad Colman's epic voyage

Santo pause – A reflective Colman takes a moment to enjoy the view of the Portuguese island of Porto Santo, to the north-east of Madeira.

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Photos:Vendee Globe: Conrad Colman's epic voyage

Distant island – The drone is in action again to capture this view of the boat off Madeira itself.

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This time, 11 of the 29 sailors who began the voyage in Les Sables d'Olonne on November 6 have pulled out.

The man in last place, Sebastien Destremau, was almost 10,000 nautical miles behind Le Cleac'h and had yet to pass the notorious Cape Horn off the coast of Chile.